CHARLOTTE COUNTY, Fla. (WINK) — Charlotte County members heard from local and state leaders about Amendment 3 and what could happen if it passes.
Sheriff Bill Prummell says this is not about trying to scare people but about making sure voters understand a decision he says has not been fully studied. The proposal is designed to give property tax relief to homeowners.
One of the ideas discussed would increase the homestead exemption reducing the amount of a home’s value that’s taxed. But local officials say that could also mean less revenue for local governments.
That raises the question — where does that money come from? Possibilities could include cutting services or staffing, raising millage rates or increasing other fees or taxes.
For the sheriff, that’s where public safety comes into the conversation. He says a significant loss of revenue could force tough decisions about staffing, including the number of deputies on the road.
But he stressed that he’s not saying those cuts will happen. His concern is that there hasn’t been enough research to know exactly what the local impact would be.
“We need tax relief we deserve it we are all suffering but the best way to do this is in 2027 the taxation and budget report commission meets we should allow them to do their job and come back with proper recommendations,” Prummell said.
That uncertainty was the biggest issue raised. Prummell says the goal of making Florida more affordable is the right one but he questions whether this is the right way to do it.
He wants county members to have the facts, understand the trade-offs and know what could happen to local services before making a decision.